Locking device



Jan. 3, 1967 B. E. ETTER 3,295,342

LOCKING DEVICE Filed Aug. 21, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 UNLOCK 559w wv E. ETTE/P .Fig. 3

B. E. ETTER LOCKING DEVICE Jan. 3, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I flrrafi/vs s Filed Aug. 21, 1964 Jan. 3, 1967 B. E. ETTER 3,295,342

LOCKING DEVICE Filed Aug. 21, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 (Ba fad /M Jan. 3, 1967 B. E. ETTER 3,295,342

LOCKING DEVICE Filed Aug. 21, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Jan. 3, 1967 B. E. ETTER 3,295,342

LOCKING DEVICE Filed Aug. 21, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 @QQQQQQQQQ United States Patent fifice 3,295,342 Patented Jan. 3, 1%67 3,295,342 LOCKING DEVICE Berwyn E. Etter, 3120 46th Ave. N., St. Petershurg, Fla. 33710 Filed Aug. 21, 1964, Ser. No. 391,336 10 Claims. ((11. 70-153) This invention relates to a locking device and more particularly to a locking device having a dial means associated therewith for unlocking the same.

It is a common occurrence for a person to be locked out from his house or the like due to the loss of his keys or by forgetting the same. Additionally, it seems that a person can never locate the right key for unlocking a door without a great deal of fumbling for the key. Also, it is sometimes diincult to turn a conventional door knob when a person is carrying an object.

Therefore, a principal object of this invention is to provide a locking device that can be unlocked from the outside only through the operation of a dial mechanism.

A further object of this invention is to provide a locking device for a door which permits the door to always be opened from the inside without unlocking the door.

A further object of this invention is to provide a looking device for a door which permits the door to be unlocked without dialing the dial mechanism.

A further object of this invention is to provide a locking device which may be set to any combination of numbers.

A further object of this invention is to provide a locking device which does not incorporate tumblers for a thief to hear or feel.

A further object of this invention is to provide a locking device which eliminates the possibility of being locked out.

A further object of this invention is to provide a locking device which provides the greatest amount of security possible.

A further object of this invention is to provide a locking device which may be opened by operating a dial mechanism similar to a telephone.

A further object of this invention is to provide a locking device which is economical of manufacture, durable in use and refined in appearance.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

This invention consists in the construction, arrange ments, and combination of the various parts of the device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained as hereinafter more fully set forth. specifically pointed out in the claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the locking device mounted on a conventional door;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the exterior portion of the locking device;

FIG. 3 is a back elevational view of the device mounted on a conventional door;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the device as seen on line 4-4 of FIG. 2 with portions thereof cut away to more fully illustrate the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the dialing mechanism portion of the device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ratchet wheel with a portion thereof cut away to more fully illustrate the same;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the control disc portion of the device;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the disengaging cam portion of the device;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the device to illustrate the manner in which the component parts thereof are assembled;

FIG. 10 is a perspective View of the spring cartridge portion of the device;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the device as seen on line 1111 of FIG. 4 at an enlarged scale;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the interior handle mechanism and associated parts;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the latch bolt assembly;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the device as seen on line 14-14 of FIG. ll at an enlarged scale;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the device as seen on line 15-15 of FIG. 14 at an enlarged scale with a portion of the spindle actuator cut away to more fully illustrate the invention;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of th edevice wherein a dial bar is used to actuate the inner locking disc;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrating the mesh between the dial bar and the gear which is connected to the outer end of a primary arm with a portion of the exterior wall cut away to more fully illustrate the invention; and

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the device as seen on line 18-43 of FIG. 16 at an enlarged scale.

The numeral 10 generally designates a door member mounted in a wall 11 in conventional fashion. The numeral 13 designates a door lock means having an exterior plate member 15 mounted on the exterior surface of door member 10 and an interior plate member 17 mounted on the interior surface of door member 10 and maintained thereon by means of screw members 19, 21 and 23 extending inwardly into plate member 17 and being threadably received by tubular members 25, 27 and 29 respec tively which are secured to the inner surface of plate 15 by any convenient means as best seen in FIGS. 5 and 11. For purposes of explanation, the device will be de scribed as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 5.

The upper outer surface of plate 15 is provided with a circular cut away portion 31. Plate 15 has a second cut away portion 33 extending inwardly thereinto at the center of cut away portion 31 and which has an upstanding lug 35 secured thereto. The central area of cut away portion 33 is provided with a circular hole 37 as seen in FIG. 5.

Rod members 39, 41 and 43 having external threads on their free ends are secured to the inner surface of plate 15 at a point opposite cut away portion 31 and extend outwardly therefrom. The numeral 45 designates a cylindrical lock housing having a base portion 47 and wall member 49. Base portion 47 is provided with tubular members 51, 53 and 55 extending outwardly therefrom adapted to receive rod members 39, 411 and 43 respectively. Base portion 47 is also provided with a hole 57 in its center which registers with hole 37 in plate 15 when housing 45 is mounted on red members 39, 41 and 43. A rectangular opening 59 is also provided in base portion 47 at a point between hole 57 and base 55 as best seen in FIG. 5.

A control disc 61 is rotatably mounted on tubular member 55 and has an elongated wing 62 with an arcuate cam member 63 on its face which extends towards the inner surface of plate 15. At one end of wing 62 is a hole 65 and at the other end of wing 62 is a lug 67 extending radially outwardly therefrom. Wing 62 is provided with a notch 69 on its face lying opposite to cam 63. Tubular member 55 receives thereon outwardly of control disc 61, a disengaging cam 71 having an elongated vertical slot 73 extending therethrough as seen in FIGS. 5 and 8. The lower end of disengaging cam 71 has an elongated horizontal slot 75 extending therethrough. The lower portion of disengaging cam 71 has a greater thickness than the upper portion with an arcuate shaped shoulder 77 formed therebetween.

A primary arm 79 having a shaft portion 81, an arm member 83 extending radially outwardly therefrom and a head portion 85 adjacent its outer end is rotatably mounted in housing 45 with head portion 85 extending outwardly through hole 57 of housing 45 and through hole 37 of plate 15. A dial return spring 87 embraces head portion 85 outwardly of plate 15 and has its outer end engaging lug 35 and its inner end engaging notch 89 in the periphery of head portion 85. The center of dial 91 is provided with an opening 93 adapted to receive head 85, which is notched at opposite sides thereof. Dial 91 is maintained on head 85 of primary arm 79 by means of clips 95 and dial nut 97. A holder 99 is frictionally received by dial 91 at the periphery of its central cut away portion 101. A finger stop 105 is mounted in slot 107 of plate 15 to limit finger movement during dialing operation.

A circular ratchet 109 having a central hole 111 is rotatably mounted on shaft portion 81 of primary arm 79. Ratchet 109 is provided with a plurality of ratchet teeth 113 and a ratchet lug 115 on its periphery. Front portion 116 of ratchet 109 has a peripheral slot 117 formed therein while back portion 118 of ratchet 109 has a hollow boss 119 extending outwardly therefrom as seen in FIG. 6.

A ratchet return spring 121 is mounted on shaft member 81 adjacent back portion 118 of ratchet 109 and has its front end extending into boss 119.

The numeral 123 designates a ratchet support disc having a central portion 125 'and an integral tab portion 127 extending downwardly therefrom. Central portion 125 has a sleeve member 129 extending outwardly from its front side as viewed in FIG. and has a reduced diameter portion 131 on its outer end which is adapted to be rotatably received by hole 111 in ratchet 109.

The front side of central portion 123 also has a finger member 133 extending outwardly therefrom and a hole 135 extending therethrough adjacent finger member 133 which is adapted to receive one end of spring 121 positioned immediately in front thereof. Tab portion 127 has a vertical slot 137 extending therein and an arm member 139 extending forwardly therefrom adjacent the upper end of tab portion 127 and at one side thereof. A lug 141 also extends forwardly from tab portion 127 at the other side of slot 137.

A pawl assembly 143 is mounted on tab portion 127 by means of pawl 145 being rotatably received on arm member 139 and maintained thereon by means of ring 147. The lower end of pawl 145 has a slot 149 which receives one end of a pawl return spring 151 which has its other end engaging lug 141. The upper end of pawl 145 is adapted to engage the periphery of ratchet wheel 109 and to prevent counterclockwise movement thereof as viewed in FIG. 5 due to the engagement thereof with ratchet teeth 115.

Ratchet wheels 109', 109", 109", ratchet return springs 121', 121", 121", ratchet support discs 123', 123", 123", and pawl assemblies 143', 143", 143" are mounted on shaft 81 in identical fashion and order as was ratchet wheel 109, spring 121, ratchet support disc 123, and pawl assembly 143.

The inner end of shaft 81 has a beveled portion 153 which receives secondary arm member 155 at a point back of ratchet support disc 123". Secondary arm member 155 has an arm portion 157 extending radially outwardly therefrom which has a square hole 159 adjacent its outer end which receives one end of square shaft 161. The front end of square shaft 161 is received by square hole 163 in finger member'83 of primary arm 79.

A ratchet driving finger 165 is slidably mounted on shaft 161 and has a ratchet engaging surface 167 at one 4 end thereof as seen in FIG. 5. An elongated ratchet finger advance spring 169 embraces shaft 161 between arm member 83 and ratchet driving finger 165.

A housing cover 171 is mounted on the back portion of housing 45 and is adapted to receive rods 39, 41 and 43 extending therethrough. Nuts 173, 175 and 177 are threadably mounted on rods 39, 41 and 43 respectively to maintain cover 171 on housing 45.

An elongated control bar 179 having lugs 181, 182, 184 and 186 extending upwardly therefrom slidably extends through slot 137 in each of ratchet support discs 123, 123, 123 and 123" and has its front end slidably extending outwardly through opening 59 in housing 45 and its rear end slidably extending outwardly through hole 183 in housing cover 171. A spring 185 embraces control bar at its rearward end between lug 186 and housing cover 171 to yieldably maintain control bar 179 in a forward extending position.

An elongated pawl tripping cam 187 is rotatably mounted within housing 45 by means of its front end being rotatably received by hole 189 in base portion 47 of housing 45 and its rearward end being rotatably received by hole 191 in housing cover 171. Pawl tripping cam 187 has an elongated ledge portion 193 extending radially outwardly therefrom for substantially its length which is adapted to engage the lower portion of pawls 145, 145, 145" and 145". Tripping pawl 187 is also provided with a cam surface 195 along its length extending outwardly therefrom.

Outside plate 15 has its back surface provided with a boss 197 extending outwardly therefrom which has its center cored to rotatably receive the front end 198 of spindle 199. Inwardly from front end 198 on spindle 199 is a square shoulder portion 201 which receives spindle crank 203 which has an arm member 205 extending inwardly therefrom.

Spindle 199 is also provided with an intermediate portion 207 which is square in cross-section and which is adapted to receive sleeve 208 of a conventional latch bolt assembly 209 thereon which is responsive to rotation of spindle 199.

The inner end of intermediate portion 207 is adapted to receive a spindle actuator 211 thereon having an arm member 213 extending outwardly therefrom and a cam portion 215. Spindle actuator 211 is provided with a square opening 217 at its center and a circular shank portion 219 on its inner end adapted to rotatably receive interior reset actuator 221 having a circular central opening 223, a tab portion 225 having a hole 227 therein and an arm member 229 extending outwardly therefrom.

Plate 17 is adapted to rotatably receive the shank portion 231 of interior handle 233 extending therethrough and maintained therein by means of lock ring 235.

Shank portion 231 of interior handle 233 is hollow and is provided with elongated shoulders 237 and 239 adapted to engage recesses 241 and 243 on the stem portion 244 of interior handle actuator 245. The front end of interior handle actuator 245 is provided with an arm member 247 adapted to engage arm member 229 of interior reset actuator 221 and arm member 213 of spindle actuator 211. Interior handle actuator 245 is also provided with a tab portion 248, which Will engage tubular members 27 and 29 to limit the rotational movement of interior handle. The interior of interior handle actuator 245 is hollow and is adapted to rotatably receive the inner end of spindle 199 as seen in FIGS. 12 and 14.

The back surface of plate 15 has a channel bracket 249 secured thereto by means of screws 250 and 252 and is comprised of a base portion 251 and opposite walls 253 and 255. The upper end of wall 255 is provided with spaced apart ear members 257 and 259 having holes 261 and 263 therein respectively.

Plate 17 is provided with a hole 265 through which rotatably passes the stem 266 of disengaging handle 267 and maintained therein by means of a lock ring 269. A square bore 271 extends into stem 266 which receives the back end of a shaft 273 which rotatably extends through holes 261 and 263 of channel bracket 243. The front end of shaft 273 has an offset portion 275 which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of shaft 273 but offset therefrom, as best seen in FIG. 9. The extreme outer end of offset portion 275 is circular in shape and is adapted to be rotatably received by slot 75 of disengaging cam 71 as seen in FIG. 9. A bushing 277 is mounted in hole 263 of channel bracket 249 to provide a bearing surface for shaft 273 during its rotation therein.

Channel bracket 249 is provided with a pair of spaced apart ear members 279 and 281 extending outwardly from base 251 having holes 283 and 285 therein respectively. Plate 15 has a slot 287 therein through which extends exterior handle 289 having a grip portion 291, shank portion 293 extending inwardly therefrom and tab portion 295 on the inner end thereof. Tab portion 295 of exterior handle 239 extends inwardly into channel bracket 249 between walls 253 and 255 and is pivotally connected thereto by means of pivot pin 297, which is U-shaped in crosssection, extending through holes 233 and 285 of ear members 279 and 281 and through hole 299 on the inner end of shank portion 293 of exterior handle 289.

Wall 255 of channel bracket 249 has a vertical elongatd slot 301 which is adapted to slidably receive flange members 303 and 305 of spring cartridge 307 which is comprised of a base portion 309 from which flanges 303 and 305 extend and a cylindrical portion 311. Cylindrical portion 311 has an elongated circular bore 313 extending downwardly thereinto for a portion of its length. An actuating foot latch 315 extends downwardly through bore 313 and has its lower foot portion 317 extending downwardly through slot 319 in the lower end of cylindrical portion 311. A spring 321 embraces actuating foot latch 315 within bore 313 and is maintained thereon and therein by lock ring 325 engaging notch 324. A washer 323 embraces actuating foot latch 315 between lock ring 325 and the upper end of spring 321.

The lower end of spring 321 engages the lower end of bore 313. A look ring 327 engages notch 329 on actuating foot latch 315 at a point below the lower end of spring cartridge 307. Base portion 309 of spring cartridge 307 is provided with a beveled slot 331 extending thereinto as seen in FIGS. 9 and 10.

A link arm 333 having arm members 335 and 337 extending outwardly from its upper and lower ends respectively connects actuating foot latch 315 with control disc 61 by means of arm member 335 being rotatably received by hole 65 in control disc 61 and arm member 337 being rotatably received by hole 339 in the upper end of actuating foot latch 315. Foot portion 317 extends below arm member 205 of spindle crank 203 and is in the rotational path thereof.

A cartridge return spring 341 is secured at its upper end to the upper end of cylindrical portion 311 of spring cartridge 307 and at its lower end to tubular member 27 as seen in FIGS. 9 and 11.

A pin 343 extends through hole 345 of wall 253, through slot 347 in tab portion 295 of exterior handle 289 and outwardly through wall 255 as seen in FIGS. 9 and 11. A cartridge lever 349 having a base portion 351 and an arm portion 353 is pivotally mounted on pin 343 adjacent the outside surface of wall 255 by means of pin 343 extending through slot 355 and maintained thereon by means of lock ring 357 engaging pin 343. Cartridge lever 349 is provided with a cam surface 359 at the outer end of arm member 353 as seen in FIG. 9. The outer end of arm member 349 is slidably received by slot 331 in cartridge 307 with cam surface 359 engaging the beveled surface thereof to provide vertical movement of spring cartridge 307 in response to pivotal movement of cartridge lever 349.

Rotatably secured to pin 343 outwardly of wall 253 is a lock reset lever 361 having a finger element 363 at its upper end and an arm member 365 at its lower end 5 extending laterally therefrom towards Wall 253. Pin 34-3 is rotatably received by hole 367 of lock reset lever 361 and has a lock ring 369 engaging its other end to maintain lever 361 thereon. The upper end of lock reset lever 361 extends upwardly through slot 371 in housing 45 as seen in FIG. 4 with finger element 363 engaging ratchet driving finger to move ratchet advance finger 165 on shaft 161 against the resistance of spring 169 when lock reset lever 361 is pivoted towards plate 15. Lock reset lever 361 is also provided with a cam surface 371 which is adapted to engage earn on cam tripping pawl 187.

An arcuate spring 373 maintains lock reset lever in a pivotal position such that the upper end thereof is adjacent housing cover 171 by means of one of its ends engaging wall 253 and its other end engaging lock reset lever 361 and being wrapped around shoulder 375 of lock reset lever 361 as seen in FIGS. 9 and 11.

A pin 377 which is U-shaped in cross-section extends through holes 379 on the inner end of tab portion 295 of exterior handle 289 and slot 381 of cartridge lever 349.

As best seen in FIGS. 12 and 14, an interior reset link 383 having a hole 335 on its upper end rotatably receiving arm member 365 of lock reset lever 361 and an arm member 387 rotatably extending into hole 227 of interior actuator reset 221 connects lock reset lever 361 and the interior actuator reset 221.

An alternate means for rotating primary arm 79 is illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18. The embodiment is substantially identical to the device seen in FIGS. 115 with the exception of the following changes herein described.

Primary arm 79 has secured to its outer end a gear 389 having teeth 391. A dial bar return spring; 393 is operatively connected at one end to housing 45 and to gear 389 at its other end to yieldably maintain. dial bar 399 in the position seen in FIG. 16. An exterior plate 395 is mounted on door 10 as was plate 15. Plate 395 is provided with an elongated vertical opening 397 in which a dial bar 399 is slidably mounted. Dial bar 399 is provided with flange portions 401 and 403 at its rearward outer edges which engages shoulders 405 and 407 in plate 395. A guide plate 409 is secured to the inner surface of plate 395 by screw 411 and provides a means to limit the rearward movement of dial bar 399. Dial bar 399 has teeth 413 on one edge thereof which is in engagement with teeth 391 on gear 389. A finger stop 415 is secured to plate 395 at the lower end of opening 397.

The normal method of operation of the embodiment seen in FIGS. 1 through 15 is as follows. The device will be initially described as being in a locked position such as seen in FIG. 14. In this locked position, the other end of control bar 179 will be in engagement with notch 69 in control disc 61. The disengage handle 267 will have been rotated to a locked position illustrated by broken lines in FIG. 3. This locked position causes disengaging cam 71 to move upwardly as a result of rotation of shaft 273. Shoulder 77 of disengaging cam 71 engages the lower end of control disc 61 and forces control disc 61 inwardly against base portion 47 of housing 45. Inasmuch as control bar 179 is in engagement with notch 69, control disc 61 is prevented from rotating. Control bar 179 is prevented from longitudinally moving away from control disc 61 due to the engagement of lugs 181, 132, 184 and 186 with the peripheries of ratchet wheels 109, 109, 109" and 109' respectively. The upward pivotal movement of exterior handle 289 will cause cartridge lever 349 to move spring cartridge 307 upwardly in slot 301 of channel bracket 249 due to the engagement of cam surface 359 of cartridge lever 349 with beveled slot 331 of spring cartridge 307. Actuating foot latch 315 is prevented from upward movement because link 333 connects the upper end thereof with control disc 61 which cannot rotate due to its engagement with control bar 179. Therefore, the upward movement of exterior handle 289 simple causes spring 321 in spring cartridge 307 to be compressed therein thereby absorbing any excessive upward force on exterior handle 289. Cartridge return spring 341 yieldably resists the upward vertical movement of spring cartridge 307 and causes the spring cartridge to return to its normal position illustrated by full lines in FIG. 14.

Door 10 may still be opened from the inside of the building by simply rotating interior handle 233 in a clockwise direction. The rotation of interior handle 233 in a clockwise direction causes spindle 199 to be rotated due to the engagement of arm member 247 of interior handle actuator 245 engaging the lower surface of arm member 213 of spindle actuator 211 as seen in FIG. 15. The rotation of spindle actuator 211 causes spindle 199 to be rotated which in turn withdraws latch bolt assembly 209 due to the engagement of sleeve 208 and square central portion 207 of spindle 199. The clockwise rotation of interior handle 233 simply causes arm member 205 of spindle crank 203 to be moved upwardly with respect to the foot portion 317 of actuating foot latch 315. It can be appreciated that the movement of arm member 205 of spindle crank 203 away from foot portion 317 of actuating foot latch 315 completely bypasses actuating foot latch 315, spring cartridge 307, link 333 and control disc 61. Therefore the door can be opened at all times on the inside of the building without regard to whether the device is in a locked or unlocked position. Counterclockwise rotation of interior handle 233 would not activate latch bolt assembly 209 due to arm member 247 of interior handle actuator 245 being rotated away from arm member 213 of spindle actuator 211. The counterclockwise rotation of interior handle 233 would cause interior actuator reset 221 to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction as well due to the engagement of arm member 247 of interior handle actuator 245 with arm member 229 of interior actuator reset 221. As interior actuator reset 221 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, interior reset link 333 would be moved upwardly thereby causing the upper end of lock reset lever 361 to be pivoted forwardly towards the interior of plate and to reset the ratchet wheels which will be more fully discussed hereafter.

The device may be opened from the outside of the building when disengage handle 267 is in a locked position by dialing the correct combination. The rotation of dial 91 causes primary arm 79, secondary arm 155, square shaft 161, finger advance spring 169 and ratchet driving finger 165 to be moved along the periphery of ratchet wheel 109. Ratchet driving finger 165 will be initially in a reset position or in other words between ratchet wheel 109 and primary arm 79 with ratchet engaging surface 167 engaging ratchet lug 115 on ratchet wheel 109. The rotation of dial 91 will cause ratchet driving finger 165 to rotate ratchet wheel 109 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 5. When the dialing person has dialed the first number of the sequence it is simply necessary to remove the finger from the dial hole in the dial 91. Dial return spring 87 will return dial 91 to its normal position. Ratchet wheel 109 will be prevented from rotating in a counterclockwise direction after this initial dialing by means of pawl 145 engaging one of the ratchet teeth 113. Pawl 145 is forced into engagement with ratchet teeth 113 by means of pawl return spring 155 yieldably applying pressure to pawl 145. It the correct digit has been dialed, the peripheral slot 117 on ratchet wheel 109 will be aligned with lug 101 on control bar 179. The remaining three numbers of the sequence would be dialed in identical fashion to that just described. If the four correct digits have been dialed, peripheral slots 117, 117', 117" and 117" will be aligned with lugs 181, 182, 184 and 186 respectively to permit slight longitudinal movement of control bar 179. Peripheral slot 117 is arranged differently on various ratchet wheels to achieve different dialing digits. For example, the center of a peripheral slot corresponding to the digit 1 would be at a counterclockwise angle, as viewed in FIG. 6, of 70 from the left edge of ratchet lug 115 of ratchet wheel 109. The center of peripheral slots corresponding to the digits 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,

7, 8, 9 and 10 would be at a counterclockwise angle of 98, 126, 154, 182, 210, 238, 266, 294 and 322 degrees respectively with the left edge of ratchet lug 115. Assuming that the correct four digits have been dialed, the grip portion 291 of exterior handle 289 would be pivotally moved upwardly. This pivotal movement of exterior handle 289 would cause cartridge lever 349 to vertically more spring cartridge 307 in slot 301 of channel bracket 249. The upward pressure exerted by spring cartridge 307 on actuating foot latch 315 and link 333 would be exerted on control disc 61. The pressure on control disc 61 would cause pressure to be exerted on control bar 179 by the dges of notch 69. Because control 179 is now permitted slight longitudinal movement, the pressure exerted by control disc 61 on control bar 179 will force control bar 179 away from control disc 61 and out of engagement with notch 69. Because control bar 179 no longer engages notch 69, control disc 61 is permitted to rotate. Rotation of control disc 61 causes link 333 and actuating foot latch 315 to be moved upwardly with foot portion 317 engaging arm member 205 of spindle crank 203 thereby causing rotation of the same and also causing rotation of spindle 199. As stated before, rotation of spindle 199 causes latch bolt 209 to be withdrawn from the door. The resistance of cartridge spring 321 is such that it takes less force to rotate control disc 61 when the correct digits have been dialed than it does to compress spring 321.

After the correct four digits have been dialed, the device may be opened as many times as desired without redialing. This is possible until the ratchet wheels have been reset and ratchet driving finger 165 has assumed its original position between ratchet 109 and primary arm 79. Ratchet wheels 109 are reset from the outside by simply pivotally moving grip portion 291 of exterior handle 289 downwardly. As grip portion 291 is moved downwardly, the inner end of exterior handle 289 will be pivotally moved upwardly. The upward movement of the inner end of exterior handle 289 will also cause pin 377 to be moved upwardly which engages arm member 365 of lock reset lever 361. Pin 377 will force arm member 365 upwardly which in turn causes finger portion 363 of lock reset lever 361 to engage ratchet driving finger 165 and to move ratchet driving finger 165 towards primary arm 79 along shaft 161 against the compression of finger advance spring 169. As ratchet driving finger 165 is moved between ratchet wheel 109 and primary arm 79, cam surface 362 on lock reset lever 361 will engage cam 195 on cam tripping pawl 187. The engagement between cam surface 362 and earn 195 causes cam tripping pawl 187 to be rotated with ledge portion 197 engaging the lower ends of each of the pawls thereby forcing the upper ends thereof out of engagement with ratchet teeth 113. As pawl 145 is removed from engagement with ratchet teeth 113, ratchet return spring 121 will cause ratchet wheel 109 to return to its original neutral position. As exterior handle 289 is released, spring 373 will force the upper end of lock reset lever 361 towards housing cover 171 which in turn causes exterior handle 289 to assume its original position. The engagement between ratchet engaging surface 167 on ratchet driving finger against ratchet lug 115 will prevent ratchet driving finger 165 from advancing to the next ratchet wheel. It can be seen that as soon as a digit has been dialed, ratchet lug 115 will no longer be in position to retard the longitudinal movement of ratchet driving finger 165 and as a result the ratchet driving finger will advance to the adjacent ratchet wheel.

The ratchet wheels may also be reset by rotating interior handle 233 in a counterclockwise direction. counterclockwise rotation of interior handle 233 will cause arm member 247 of interior handle actuator 245 to engage arm portion 229 of interior actuator reset 211 and to cause counterclockwise rotation thereof without rotating spindle 199 which causes interior reset link 383 to be moved upwardly. Upward movement of interior reset link 383 causes lock reset lever 361 to be pivoted so that finger 363 will engage ratchet driving finger 165 and force ratchet driving finger 165 to its starting position as before described.

When disengage handle 267 is in an unlocked position, disengaging cam 71 will be in a downward position so that shoulder 77 thereof will not be forcing control disc 61 into engagement with control bar 179. This permits control disc 61 to move slightly longitudinally on its axis and to rotate without forcing control bar 179 to be moved longitudinally. It can therefore be seen that exterior handle 289 can then be used to open the device at will without dialing the proper combination.

The device seen in FIGS. 16 through 18 works in identical manner as the embodiment previously described with the exception being in the manner of driving primary arm 79. Instead of a rotating dial means such as dial 91, a dial bar 399 is provided. To dial the correct digits it is simply necessary to insert a finger in one of the holes in dial bar 399 and move the dial bar vertically downwardly until the'finger engages finger stop 415. The engagement between teeth members 413 of dial bar 399 and teeth members 391 of gear 389 causes primary arm 79 to be rotated. When the finger is removed from dial bar 399, return spring 393 will return dial bar 399 to its original position as illustrated in FIG. 16.

Exterior handle 289, interior handle 233 and disengage lever 267 are made from Eastman Tenite butyrate for strength and durability. The critical internal parts such as ratchet wheel 109, ratchet support disc 123, pawl 145, control bar 179, cam tripping pawl 187, ratchet driving finger 165, control disc 61 and disengaging cam 71 are constructed of Du Pont Delrin.

It can be appreciated that the device does not have any tumblers which a thief could hear or feel. It is obvious that the device is extremely convenient, easy to operate and foolproof. Thus, from the foregoing, it can be seen that the device accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.

Some changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of my locking device without departing from the real spirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claims, any modified forms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents which may be reasonably included within their scope.

I claim:

1. In a locking device,

spaced apart first and second plate members having inner and outer surfaces,

a housing between said first and second plate members and operatively secured to one of said first and second plate members,

a control bar slidably mounted in said housing and having one end thereof slidably extending from one end of said housing,

locking means movably mounted in said housing and adapted to engage said control bar at times to limit the slidable movement thereof at times,

a dial mechanism movably mounted on the outer surface of said first plate member,

yieldable means yieldably connecting said first plate member and said dial mechanism to resist the movement of said dial mechanism in one direction,

said yieldable means normally yieldably holding said dial mechanism in a predetermined position and normally returning said dial mechanism to said predetermined position whenever a displacing force on said dial mechanism has been removed,

a means operatively connecting said dial mechanism and said locking means whereby the predetermined movement of said dial mechanism in said one direction will disengage said locking means from said control bar,

a rotatable member rotatably mounted on said one end 10 of said housing having a notch thereof adapted to receive said one end of said control bar at times and being longitudinally movable,

a vertically slidable cam means mounted on said one end of said housing adapted to move said rotatable member longitudinally towards said housing at times,

means connected to said vertically slidable cam means for vertically moving said vertically slidable cam,

a first handle means extending inwardly through said first plate member and being operatively connected to said rotatable member,

a latch bolt assembly operatively connected to said rotatable member and said first handle means whereby said first handle member will activate said latch bolt means only when said rotatable member rotates.

2. In a locking device,

spaced apart first and second plate members having inner and outer surfaces,

a housing between said first and second plate members and operatively secured to one of said first and second plate members,

a control bar slidably mounted in said housing and having one end thereof slidably extending from one end of said housing,

locking means movably mounted in said housing and adapted to engage said control bar at times to limit the slidable movement thereof at times,

a dial mechanism movably mounted on the outer surface of said first plate member,

yieldable means yieldably connecting said first plate member and said dial mechanism to resist the movement of said d'ial mechanism in one direction,

said yieldable means normally yieldably holding said dial mechanism in a predetermined position and normally returning said dial mechanism to said predetermined position Whenever a displacing force on said dial mechanism has been removed,

a means operatively connecting said dial mechanism and said locking means whereby the predetermined movement of said dial mechanism in said one direction will disengage said locking means from said control bar,

a rotatable member rotatably mounted on said one end of said housing having a 'notch thereof adapted to receive said one end of said control bar at times and being longitudinally movable,

a vertically slidable cam means mounted on said one end of said housing adapted to move said rotatable member longitudinally towards said housing at times,

means connected to said verticaliy slidable cam means for vertically moving said vertically slidable cam,

a first handle means extending inwardly through said first plate member and being operatively connected to said rotatable member,

a latch bolt assembly operatively connected to said rotatable member and said first handle means whereby said first handle member will activate said latch bolt means only when said rotatable member rotates, and

a second handle means rotatably extending inwardly through said second plate member and being operatively connected to said latch bolt means whereby rotation of said second handle means in one direction will activate said door latch means.

3. In a locking device,

spaced apart first and second plate members having inner and outer surfaces,

21 housing betwen said first and second plate members and operatively secured to one of said first and second plate members,

a control bar slidably mounted in said housing and having one end thereof slidably extending from one end of said housing,

locking means movably mounted in said housing and adapted to engage said control bar at times to limit the slidable movement thereof at times,

a dial mechanism movably mounted on the outer surface of said first plate member,

yieldable means yieldably connecting said first plate member and said dial mechanism to resist the movement of said dial mechanism in one direction,

said yieldable means normally yieldably holding said dial mechanism in a predetermined position and normally returning said dial mechanism to said predetermined position whenever a displacing force on said dial mechanism has been removed,

a means operatively connecting said dial mechanism and said locking means whereby the predetermined movement of said dial mechanism in said one direction will disengage said locking means from said cntrol bar,

a rotatable member rotatably mounted on said one end of said housing having a notch thereof adapted to receive said one end of said control bar at times and being longitudinally movable,

a vertically slidable cam means mounted on said one end of said housing adapted to move said rotatable member longitudinally towards said housing at times,

means connected to said vertically slidable cam means for vertically moving said vertically slidable cam,

a bracket secured to the inner surface of said first plate member,

a first handle means extending inwardly through said first plate member and being pivotally connected to said bracket intermediate its length,

a latch bolt assembly between said first and second plate members and being operatively connected to said rotatable member and said first handle means whereby said first handle member will operate said latch bolt means only when said rotatable member rotates,

a second handle means rotatably extending inwardly through second plate member and being operatively connected to said latch bolt means whereby rotation of said second handle means in one direction will operate said door latch means,

a reset lever pivotally secured to said bracket and having one end thereof extending into said housing to cause locking means to engage said control bar at times; said reset lever being operatively connected to the inner end of said first handle means whereby downward pivotal movement of the outer end of said first handle means will pivot said reset lever to cause said locking means to engage said control bar at times; said reset lever being operatively connected to said second handle whereby rotation of said second handle means in a direction opposite to said one direction will pivot said reset lever and cause said locking means to engage said control bar at times.

4. In a locking device,

spaced apart exterior and interior plate members,

a housing secured to one of said plate members and extending towards the other plate member,

a control means movably mounted in said housing capable of assuming engaged and disengaged position,

locking means movably mounted in said housing and adapted to engage said control means at times to limit the movement of said control means at times,

a dial mechanism movably mounted on said exterior plate member,

yieldable means yieldably connecting said exterior plate member and said dial mechanism to resist the movement of said dial mechanism in one direction,

said yieldable means normally yieldably holding said dial mechanism in a predetermined position and normally returning said dial mechanism to said predetermined position whenever a displacing force 011 said dial mechanism has been removed,

a means operatively connecting said dial mechanism and said locking means whereby the predetermined movement of said dial in said one direction will disengage said locking means from said control means,

a latch bolt assembly movably mounted between said plate members,

an exterior handle member extending inwardly through said exterior plate member, having its inner end operatively connected to said latch bolt means and said control means,

an interior handle member extending inwardly through said interior plate member and being operatively connected to said latch bolt assembly,

said interior handle member having its inner end operativeiy connected to said latch bolt assembly whereby said interior handle member may operate said latch bolt assembly,

a disengaging means extending inwardly through said interior plate member for disengaging said control means at times,

said control means preventing said exterior handle from operating said latch bolt assembly when said locking means is engaging said control means and said control means is in an engaged position.

5. In a locking device,

a supporting means having exterior and interior surfaces, an exterior plate member mounted on said exterior surface having inner and outer surfaces, upper and lower ends,

an interior plate member mounted on said interior surface having inner and outer surfaces, upper and lower ends,

a housing secured to the inner surface of said exterior plate member and having rearward and forward ends,

a crankshaft means rotatably mounted in said housing and being comprised of a primary arm including a shaft portion, a head portion and an arm portion extending radially upwardly therefrom; a secondary arm member mounted on the free end of said shaft portion; and a shaft extending between said arm portion of said primary arm and said secondary arm,

said head portion of said primary arm rotatably extending outwardly through the forward end of said housing and through said exterior plate member,

a dial mechanism mounted on said head portion adjacent to the outer surface of said exterior plate member,

yieldable means yieldably connecting said exterior plate member and said head portion to resist the movement of said dial mechanism in one direction,

said yieldable means normally yieldably holding said dial mechanism in a predetermined position and normally returning said dial mechanismto said predetermined position whenever a displacing force on said dial mechanism has been removed,

a ratchet driving finger slidably mounted on said shaft,

a spring between said arm portion of said primary arm and said ratchet driving finger,

a plurality of axially aligned ratchet wheels rotably mounted on said shaft portion of said primary arm; each of said ratchet wheels have ratchet teeth extending radially outwardly from the periphery thereof, a ratchet lug extending radially outwardly from the periphery thereof and a perpheral slot therein, said peripheral slot being formed thereon at a predetermined position with respect to said ratchet lug,

a ratchet support disc mounted on said shaft portion rearwardly of each of said ratchet wheels and having a pivotal pawl assembly secured thereto engaging said ratchet teeth on the ratchet wheel immediately forwardly thereof at times,

a cam tripping pawl rotatably mounted in said housing adapted to disengage said pawls from said ratchet teeth at times,

a ratchet wheel return spring connected to and extend- 131 ing between said ratchet support disc and the ratchet wheel immediately forwardly thereof to yieldably resist rotational movement of said ratchet wheel in one direction,

said ratchet driving finger engaging said ratchet lug on one of said ratchet wheels and rotating said ratchet wheel when said dial means rotates said crank shaft means in one direction,

control bar movably mounted in said housing and having one end extending outwardly through the forward end of said housing,

each of said ratchet wheels engaging said control bar a latch bolt assembly mounted between said exterior and interior plate members, bracket secured to the inner surface of said exterior plate member,

a spring cartridge means vertically slidably mounted on said bracket,

an exterior handle extending inwardly into said exterior plate member and being vertically pivotally secured to said bracket intermediate its length,

an elongated actuating foot latch extending through said spring cartridge and having a foot portion on its lower end,

cartridge lever pivotally secured to said bracket intermediate its length and having one end thereof operatively connected to said spring cartridge means and its other end pivotally secured to the inner end of said exterior handle,

link member extending between said control disc and the upper end of said actuating foot latch, spring in said spring cartridge means embracing said actuating foot latch and operatively connected thereto whereby vertical movement of said spring cartridge will cause said actuating foot latch to be moved upwardly if said control disc is disengaged from said control bar,

spindle having rearward and forward ends, rotatably extending between said exterior and interior plate members and operatively connected to said latch bolt assembly whereby said latch bolt assembly is responsive to rotational movement of said spindle, spindle crank mounted on said spindle adjacent its forward end and having an arm member extending rearwardly therefrom above said foot latch portion,

an interior handle member extending into said interior plate member and having an interior handle actuator secured to its inner end which rotatably embraces the rearward end of said spindle and which has an arm member extending forwardly therefrom,

an interior actuator reset member rotatably mounted on said spindle forwardly of said interior handle actuator and having an arm portion extending laterally outwardly therefrom adapted to be engaged by said arm member of said interior handle actuator when said interior handle is rotated in one direction,

finger adjacent said arm portion of said primary aim and to engage said cam tripping pawl to disengage said pawls from said ratchet teeth at times,

an interior reset link extending between the other end of said lock reset lever and said interior reset actuator, disengage handle rotatably extending into said interior plate,

and an offset shaft secured at one of its ends to said disengage handle and its other end operatively connected to said disengaging cam whereby rotational movement of said disengage handle will vertically move said disengaging cam.

. In a locking device,

supporting means having exterior and. interior surfaces, an exterior plate member mounted on said exterior surface having inner and outer surfaces, upper and lower ends,

an interior plate member mounted on said interior sursaid head portion of said primary arm rotatably extending outwardly through the forward end of said housing and through said exterior plate member,

dial mechanism mounted on said head portion adjacent to the outer surface of said exterior plate member,

yieldable means yieldably connecting said exterior plate member and said head portion to resist the movement of said dial mechanism in one direction,

said yieldable means normally yieldably holding said dial mechanism in a predetermined position and normally returning said dial mechanism to said predetermined position whenever a displacing force on said dial mechanism has been removed,

ratchet driving finger slidably mounted on said shaft, spring between said arm portion of said primary arm and said ratchet driving finger,

plurality of axially aligned ratchet wheels rotatably mounted on said shaft portion of said primary arm; each of said ratchet wheels having ratchet teeth extending radially outwardly from the periphery thereof, a ratchet lug extending radially outwardly from the periphery thereof and a peripheral slot therein, said peripheral slot being formed thereon at a predetermined position with respect to said ratchet lug, ratchet support disc mounted on said shaft portion rearwardly of each of said ratchet wheels and having a pivotal pawl assembly secured thereto engaging said ratchet teeth on the ratchet wheel immediately forwardly thereof at times,

cam tripping pawl rotatably mounted in said housing adapted to disengage said pawls from said ratchet teeth at times,

ratchet wheel return spring connected to and extending between said ratchet support disc and the ratchet wheel immediately forwardly thereof to yieldably resist rotational movement of said ratchet wheel in one direction,

said ratchet driving finger engaging said ratchet lug on having one end extending outwardly through the forward end of said housing,

each of said ratchet wheels engaging said control bar at times to limit the movement of said control bar, said control bar being slidably movable when said peripheral slots are aligned with said control bar,

said control bar being operatively connected to a latch bolt assembly mounted between said exterior and interior plate members.

7. In a locking device,

a supporting means having exterior and interior surfaces,

an exterior plate member mounted on said exterior surface having inner and outer surfaces, upper and lower ends,

an interior plate member mounted on said interior surface having inner and outer surfaces, upper and lower ends,

a housing secured to the inner surface of said exterior plate member and having rearward and forward ends,

a crankshaft means rotatably mounted in said housing and being comprised of a primary arm including a shaft portion, a head portion and an arm portion extending radially upwardly therefrom; a secondary arm member mounted on the free end of said shaft portion; and a shaft extending between said arm portion of said primary arm and said secondary arm,

said head portion of said primary arm rotatably extending outwardly through the forward end of said housing and through said exterior plate member,

a dial mechanism mounted on said head portion adjacent to the outer surface of said exterior plate member,

yieldable means yieldably connecting said exterior plate member and said head portion to resist the movement of said dial mechanism in one direction,

said yieldable means normally yieldably holding said dial mechanism in a predetermined position and normally returning said dial mechanism to said predetermined position whenever a displacing force on said dial mechanism has been removed,

a ratchet driving finger slidably mounted on said shaft,

a spring between said arm portion of said primary arm and said ratchet driving finger,

a plurality of axially aligned ratchet wheels rotatably mounted on said shaft portion of said primary arm; each of said ratchet wheels have ratchet teeth extending radially outwardly from the periphery thereof, a ratchet lug extending radially outwardly from the periphery thereof and a peripheral slot therein, said peripheral slot being formed thereon at a predetermined position with respect to said ratchet lug,

a ratchet support disc mounted on said shaft portion rearwardly of each of said ratchet wheels and having a pivotal pawl assembly secured thereto engaging said ratchet teeth on the ratchet wheel immediately forwardly thereof at times,

a cam tripping pawl rotatably mounted in said housing adapted to disengage said pawls from said ratchet teeth at times,

a ratchet wheel return spring connected to and extending between said ratchet support disc and the ratchet wheel immediately forwardly thereof to yieldably resist rotational movement of said ratchet wheel in one direction,

said ratchet driving finger engaging said ratchet lug on one of said ratchet wheels and rotating said ratchet wheel when said dial means rotates said crank shaft means in one direction,

a control bar movably mounted in said housing and having one end extending outwardly through the forward end of said housing,

each of said ratchet wheels engaging said control bar at times to limit the movement of said control bar,

said control bar being slidably movable when said peripheral slots are aligned with said control bar,

a control disc rotatably mounted on the forward end of said housing and having a notch therein adapted to receive said one end of said control bar at times,

a latch bolt assembly between said exterior and interior plate members, and a handle means operatively connected to said control disc and said latch bolt assembly for operating said latch bolt assembly at times.

8. In a locking device,

a supporting means,

a housing mounted on said supporting means,

a control means movably mounted in said housing and having one end thereof movably extending from said housing,

locking means movably mounted in said housing and adapted to engage said control means at times to limit the movement of said control means at times,

a dial mechanism movably mounted on said supporting means,

yieldable means yieldably connecting said supporting means and said dial mechanism to resist the movement of said dial mechanism in one direction,

said yieldable means normally yieldably holding said dial mechanism in a predetermined position and normally returning said dial mechanism to said predetermined position whenever a displacing force on said dial mechanism has been removed,

a means operatively connecting said dial mechanism and said locking means whereby the predetermined movement of said dial in said one direction will disengage said locking means from said control means,

movable means operatively engaging said one end of said control means and being movable when said control means is permitted movement by its disengagement with said locking means,

a handle operatively connected to said movable means,

and a latch bolt means operatively connected to said movable means and said handle means whereby said handle means will activate said latch bolt means only when said movable means is permitted movement.

9. In a locking device,

a supporting means,

a housing mounted on said supporting means,

a control means movably mounted in said housing and having one end thereof movably extending from said housing,

locking means movably mounted in said housing and adapted to engage said control means at times to limit the movement of said control means at times,

a dial mechanism movably mounted on said supporting means,

yieldable means yieldably connecting said supporting means and said dial mechanism to resist the movement of said dial mechanism in one direction,

said yieldable means normally yieldably holding said dial mechanism in a predetermined position and normally returning said dial mechanism to said predetermined position whenever a displacing force on said dial mechanism has been removed,

a means operatively connecting said dial mechanism and said locking means whereby the predetermined movement of said dial in said one direction will disengage said locking means from said control means,

movable means operatively engaging said one end of said control means and being movable when said control means is permitted movement by its disengagement with said locking means,

said locking means including axially aligned ratchet wheels independently rotatably mounted in said housing, each of said ratchet wheels adapted to engage said control means at times to limit the movement and a single handle means extending into said supporting means operatively connected to said reset means whereby movement of said handle means in one direction will cause said reset means to engage and move said ratchet driving means on said shaft portion at times and to disengage said plurality of pawl means from their engagement with said ratchet wheels.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein said handle means is operatively connected to said movable means whereby movement of said handle means in a second direction will cause said movable means to be moved when said control means is permitted movement by its disengagement with said locking means.

a shaft portion adapted to rotate in a spaced relation to the peripheries of said ratchet wheels, said U-shaped crankshaft having a ratchet driving means 10 movably mounted on its shaft portion adapted to successively engage said ratchet wheels at different positions in its path of movement to move said ratchet wheels out of engagement with said control means at times, 15 a plurality of pawl means movably mounted in said housing, each of said pawl means adapted to engage ratchet teeth on the periphery of said ratchet wheels References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS.

( to hold said ratchet wheels against rotation after said ratchet wheels have been rotated predetermined 20 2645923 7/1953 Behrens 70 3 increments by said ratchet driving means, 521 5/1959 Dorm 7 Q X a reset means extending into said housing and adapted 3102932 9/1963 Etta. g

to engage and move said ratchet driving means at times and to disengage said plurality of pawl means FOREIGN PATENTS from their engagement with said ratchet wheels to 25 403 327 2/1948 Italy.

permit said ratchet wheels to rotate into engagement with said control means at times, BOBBY R. GAY, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A LOCKING DEVICE, SPACED APART FIRST AND SECOND PLATE MEMBERS HAVING INNER AND OUTER SURFACES, A HOUSING BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND PLATE MEMBERS AND OPERATIVELY SECURED TO ONE OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND PLATE MEMBERS, A CONTROL BAR SLIDABLY MOUNTED IN SAID HOUSING AND HAVING ONE END THEREOF SLIDABLY EXTENDING FROM ONE END OF SAID HOUSING, LOCKING MEANS MOVABLY MOUNTED IN SAID HOUSING AND ADAPTED TO ENGAGE SAID CONTROL BAR AT TIMES TO LIMIT THE SLIDABLE MOVEMENT THEREOF AT TIMES, A DIAL MECHANISM MOVABLY MOUNTED ON THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID FIRST PLATE MEMBER, YIELDABLE MEANS YIELDABLY CONNECTING SAID FIRST PLATE MEMBER AND SAID DIAL MECHANISM TO RESIST THE MOVEMENT OF SAID DIAL MECHANISM IN ONE DIRECTION, SAID YIELDABLE MEANS NORMALLY YIELDABLY HOLDING SAID DIAL MECHANISM IN A PREDETERMINED POSITION AND NORMALLY RETURNING SAID DIAL MECHANISM TO SAID PREDETERMINED POSITION WHENEVER A DISPLACING FORCE ON SAID DIAL MECHANISM HAVE BEEN REMOVED, A MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTING SAID DIAL MECHANISM AND SAID LOCKING MEANS WHEREBY THE PREDETERMINED MOVEMENT OF SAID DIAL MECHANISM IN SAID ONE DIREC- 